Keys to Your External Self: AQUARIUS Rising and Decans

The rising sign or ascendant (the external self) is second in importance only to the Sun-Sign (the inner self). For most people who know you less than intimately, it may be the determining factor as they see, identify, and know you. It also influences how you view, act, and react to others and the environment. While your Sun-Sign is determined by your birth date (and in some border-line cases the time), the rising sign (ascendant) must be calculated for the exact birth time and place. Theoretically, the rising sign advances one degree (of 360 degrees of a full circle -- a 24-hour day) every four minutes, meaning each 30-degree sign takes about two hours to move upward -- due to counterclockwise axial rotation of planet earth -- across the ascendant point: the eastern horizon. Definition: decan (decanate) -- a ten-degree distance (division or portion) of a sign; each zodiac sign has three decans, which collectively equal thirty degrees. First decan (any sign) is 00.00 to 9.59.59 - second decan is 10.00.to 19.59.59 - third decan is 20.00 to 29.59.59.

[Rule-of-Thumb or "ballpark": If you were born during the first 40 minutes of any rising-sign's beginning hour (see second link below for ascendant table), the first decan 0 to 10 degrees likely will be ascending; if born 41 to 80 minutes (1 hour +20 minutes) after the sign's beginning hour the second decan likely will be ascending; if born 81 minutes (1 hour +21 minutes) to 2 hours after, the third decan likely will be ascending. An accurately calculated horoscope is necessary for determining for sure the decan ascending.]

The rising sign (and its decan) are of great significance in determining your personality, mannerisms, character, mentality, emotions, weeknesses, health and life-pattern, as well as characteristics to cultivate, or correct. If you or someone you know has Aries rising, you'll want to study the "Overview" first and then the decan information.

OR -- If uncertain about (or need to verify) your own (or anyone's) natal horoscope's true Rising Sign (Ascendant) and the Decan -- [First Decan: 00 to 10 degrees / Second Decan: 10 to 20 degrees / Third Decan :20 to 30 degrees], you can find out fast and FREE (plus get sign/degree/minutes for Moon Sign / Sun-Sign / Midheaven (10th House sign), and latitude/longitude of birthplace) HERE. After finding Rising Sign (AS), click its link near bottom of the "Atlas/Astrological Atlas" page to read about your own (or anyone's) Rising Sign and its Decan.

Use also to read your SUN-SIGN (inner self) and MOON SIGN (emotional self)

[Hint Number One: The information following can be applied as well to your Sun-Sign (your inner self). Relate the "Overview" to natal Sun in Aquarius. Also read "First Decan" if you were born in the first 10 days of this sign -- Sun in 0 to 10 degrees; "Second Decan" if born in days 10 to 20 -- Sun in 10 to 20 degrees; "Third Decan" if born in days 20 to 30 -- Sun in 20 to 30 degrees.]

[Hint Number Two: The descriptions following can also be applied to your Moon-Sign (your emotional self). Relate the "Overview" to natal Moon in Aquarius. Also read "First Decan" if your Moon is in the first 10 degrees of this sign; "Second Decan" if your Moon is 10 to 20 degrees of this sign; "Third Decan" if your Moon is in 20 to 30 degrees of this sign.]

AQUARIUS RISING -- OVERVIEW

"Topsy-turvy," unusual, unexpected, difficult, intuitive, liberty-loving, original, abrupt, boldly romantic, philosophical, and erratic and chaotic Uranus -- the planet whose energies awaken the individual to new, often sudden opportunities -- rules the facades, external egos, and personalities of all with Aquarius rising. Your personality might be labeled by others who know you well as unique and one-of-a-kind; or, if they are not friends, strange, unusual, peculiar, and too far-out. Both labeling exercises might be more or less accurate, depending on whether you are responding positively or negatively to the Aquarian/Uranian influences on your personality.

Outsiders who observe your personal actions for a relatively short period of time may wonder what you will do next, or in which direction you might go tomorrow; they may have difficulty with seeing much if any method in your "madness." However, if they would consider your actions over a period of months or years, they would have to agree there is more organization and underlying reason and rationale than might at first be evident. The fixed (stabalizing) influence of Aquarius gives you the tenacity and willpower to get a lot more accomplished than many might suspect.

The height varies, generally falling into two groups: one, quite tall, slim and blonde; the other, shorter, heavier and with darker hair and coloring generally. In both types, the trunk of the body may be longer than normal and very flexible; bone structure tends to the large side. The head may be rather like a round tower, with the back enlarged and emphasized.

The hair may be of a very durable texture, wavy, and glossy. A rather full forehead may be accented by well-shaped and slightly curved eyebrows. Facial features are finely-etched and tend to triangle toward the chin. The mouth is closed rather tightly, but the lips may appear half-smiling much of the time. Teeth may be nicely shaped and very white. The voice is quite clear, and the speech pattern rather rapid-fire.

Some physical movements appear quick, unpredictable, even somewhat disjointed at times. Some eccentricities of mannerisms are present; for example, there's may be a pronounced dislike for being touched other than by those closely associated. Persons with Aquarius ascending are the true "individualists" of the zodiac. You think and act differently and possess a natural flair for turning the dull into the new and exciting. There is organizing ability, enthusiasm, strength of will, mental creativity and inspiration; you are deeply reflective.

Even though there may be a deep-seated good sense of humor, seldom does it inspire you to laugh aloud or openly. The emotions are refined by intelligence and discrimination. Generally, there is a sensitive rather than a sensual emotional bent.

In romance, conventions often may be totally discarded. Inherent weaknesses often may include being openly contrary, harboring the instinct to sound off abruptly and loudly if things become a strain, and being almost complete unpredictability. A strong tendency to say exactly what is thought without much regard as to how it may negatively affect others can cause a sudden loss of friends.

Since there is generally a strong constitution and a rather long life expectancy, there is seldom much serious illness to contend with. The nervous system, while normally well controlled, is very vulnerable however under severe stress or duress. Attention should be given to the circulatory system's arteries, and veins; the calves, and the ankles. The life-pattern is generally episodic and more or less "spectacular." Opportunities and setbacks may occur when and where least expected. Alternate four-and ten-year cycles seem to be the general pattern of experience.

The main characteristics and qualities of a desirable nature good for cultivation are expressed by such words and terms as the following: leadership, truthfulness, scientific interests, sincerity, earnestness, cooperativeness, sociability, service, patience, steadfastness, inventiveness and intuition. Some select words and terms describing characteristics and potential flaws for correction are: a radical nature, disorganization, too much skepticism, overanxiousness, sentimentality, gullibility, occasional irrational acts, and total unpredictability.

All of these less-than-desirable inclinations and traits either already have been or can, in time, be improved upon, markedly corrected, or totally overcome by the conscientious and proper mental application of your outstanding positive qualities, and your strong interest in being able to help yourself and mankind generally.

FIRST DECAN of AQUARIUS Rising (00.00 - 10.00 degrees)

This Aquarius/URANUS decan is, of course, the most typical. Very much of what was covered above applies fully, but there is more. Aquarius adds fixity of purpose so that whatever is undertaken often is accomplished, no matter how much time and energy may be required. Further, the dynamic nature of this decan aids in supplying the energy to persist. The Uranus sub-influence adds uniqueness, originality, and a one-of-a-kind quality to your personality and appearance.

While there really is no actual manner to describe the many ways that your collective personalities may be different, suffice it to say that no two of you with this influence are anything alike. Neither are you very much like anyone else with any decan of any other sign rising. It might be said that the "mold" was broken after your creation and that there will never be another person who is just like you.

On the positive side, others find your uniqueness attractive, interesting, and stimulating; on the negative, they may regard you as a weird crank who should be left alone. While it's rare that anyone will express all of either the positive or negative facets of this Uranus influence, it's hoped you will strive to express the positive most of the time. Otherwise, you'll not likely make the world a better place in which to live.

Appearance-wise, the word which might best describe you is "striking." While it might not be easy in any one or all cases to describe what physical features cause it, it seems that nearly everyone who sees you for the first time does a double-take -- that is, they have to look at you more than once to make certain they saw what they thought they saw. Many of you, because of this, complain that others often stare at you. Realize that most of them don't really mean to stare; they just can't stop themselves from looking.

Such a striking appearance can, of course, be a tremendous advantage if you aspire to be in show business or other vocations where high visibility and personal attention-getting is desired. However, don't consider illegal activities; you'll probably be identified and hauled into custody almost immediately.

SECOND DECAN of AQUARIUS Rising (10.00 - 20.00 degrees)

The sub-influences of this Gemini/MERCURY decan can induce numerous and rather interesting differences and variations for those with this decan rising. Gemini may add communicative skills, dualism, versatility and contribute somewhat to the basic physical and mental activity, and enhance restlessness.

While you remain avant-garde in your basic nature, you may be more inclined to communicate your thoughts and ideas -- verbally, in written form, and otherwise -- to others near and far. It's entirely possible that you could create some problems for yourself as well as lose valuable friends if you overdo this inclination to "communicate." Others may not find everything you express as interesting to them as it is to you.

Gemini and Mercury can aid you in maintaining your youthfulness both mentally and physically throughout your lifetime. You may be somewhat smaller in size and height/weight than those with the first decan of Aquarius rising. Your hair may be rather fine and of a relatively light shade. Often the eyes are light in color, sometimes green or blue. The hands may be small with thin, tapering fingers. Excess weight is seldom a problem because you burn so much energy with physical activity; you find it exceedingly difficult to be still for very long. It's possible you may be left-handed or at least ambidextrous. You normally demonstrate your ability to speak correctly and enunciate all words clearly.

You are fortunate to have the fixed (stable) nature of Aquarius, as it counteracts the "flighty" nature of Gemini taken alone. You're better able to stick with projects to completion rather than scattering your energies from one activity to another sporadically. With the Mercury/third-house influence, it's highly probable that you have some writing ability. You should try your hand at magazine or newspaper writing. Also, you might do well with writing short stories, especially science fiction or in other "futuristic" areas. Here, your "weird" thoughts won't likely offend anyone.

THIRD DECAN of AQUARIUS Rising (20.00 - 30.00 degrees)

The sub-influuence of this Libra/VENUS decan can induce some quite interesting and exciting external characteristics for those with this decan rising. Libra -- natural ruler of the seventh house of partnerships, marriage, close associations, contracts and agreements -- makes you even more friend-and other-persons-oriented than the Aquarian influence considered alone. It's basically a truism that you tend to live your life mainly through your associations with others.

Since Aquarius is often more or less a "reformer" you may dedicate yourself to the task of improving others' lots in life through gently nudging them along the path to self-improvement. You help them to "reform" their negative thinking and nonproductive habits and practices into those that are more positive and productive.

However, you need to be careful that you don't allow the cardinal ("pushy") nature of Libra to cause you to shove too hard; otherwise, those you are attempting to help may accuse you of meddling in their lives and attempting to force your beliefs and contcepts on them. You can handle such matters well if you will allow the mutable energy of this third decan to let you know when it's time to modify, change or pull back if you're getting negative results with your well-intentioned efforts.

Appearance-wise, you could be the most attractive physically of all those with Aquarius rising. Libra (balance, form, order, color, symmetry) and Venus (goddess of physical beauty) can contribute most positively to your visage. Good bone structure; healthy, radiant skin and a thick head of hair often are the rule rather than the exception. Good proportioning of the head, torso, and limbs is commonplace.

It's highly likely that you might prefer to be married all of your adult life as you may consider a single life somewhat undesirable. If you would possibly avoid an unpleasant divorce (and additional marriages), you must exercise care in choosing your first mate.